Hot Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Yall these Hot Honey Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are FIRE Sweet spicy and easy slow cooker or Instant Pot Best pulled chicken sandwich recipe EVER ... Healthy Eats
- Recipe Introduction
- Hot Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe Card
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Prep Steps for Kick-Ass Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
- Step-by-Step to Spicy Pulled Chicken Perfection
- Pro Tips for the Best Pulled Chicken Sandwich
- Recipe Notes for the Perfect Hot Honey Pulled Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a sandwich that kicks? Have you ever had something so delicious it made you wanna slap yo' mama? (Don't really do that!).
This hot honey pulled chicken is that good. It's the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky goodness.
Brief Overview
The inspiration for this recipe comes from a love of southern BBQ. Also the current hot honey craze. It combines the two into one glorious sandwich.
This recipe is dead easy, takes about 4 hours in the slow cooker. It can be even quicker in the Instant Pot and serves about six hungry folks.
Main Benefits
Not only is this recipe ridiculously tasty, but chicken is also a great source of protein. This sweet and spicy chicken is perfect for a casual BBQ, a potluck with mates, or even just a cheeky mid-week dinner.
What makes this Hot honey chicken recipe stand out? The perfect balance of sweet, heat, and that smoky BBQ tang.
Honestly, it's a flavor bomb!
Want to make this a Spicy pulled chicken ?
Ready to take on the challenge?
Let's get cooking! We'll start by gathering all of our ingredients.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make some seriously good Hot honey pulled chicken sandwiches! I'm talking about ingredients and gear.
We want to make sure that it's sweet and spicy chicken perfection. This is gonna be a ride.
Hot Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Honestly, getting the right stuff makes all the difference. This isn't rocket science. But quality ingredients do level up the flavour of the Honey BBQ chicken . I promise you that.
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken. Breasts or thighs, you choose!
- 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce. Your favorite kind.
- ¼ cup (60ml) hot honey. Store-bought or DIY is awesome!
- 1 tbsp (15ml) apple cider vinegar.
- 1 tsp (5ml) smoked paprika.
- 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) onion powder.
- ½ tsp (2.5g) salt.
- ¼ tsp (1.25g) black pepper.
- 6 sandwich buns. Brioche is lush.
For the chicken, if you can find free-range or organic, go for it! The taste is just...better. For the Hot honey chicken recipe , quality BBQ sauce and honey will define your taste.
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens! Smoked paprika is key for that BBQ flavor. Don't skip it! Apple cider vinegar adds a lil' zing.
Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you are looking for more heat for your spicy pulled chicken .
Don’t have apple cider vinegar? White vinegar works in a pinch. For a BBQ chicken sandwich consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor. It really amps it up.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot. Your call.
- Large bowl.
- Two forks. For shredding.
- Measuring cups & spoons.
- Knife and cutting board.
The slow cooker is amazing if you've got time. The Instant Pot pulled chicken method is amazing if you are in a hurry.
If you don't have a slow cooker, a large Dutch oven will do!
Alright, let's get this show on the road! Hot honey pulled chicken sandwiches are about to become your new obsession.
Think sweet, smoky, spicy... Basically, a party in your mouth. Y'all ready for this?
Prep Steps for Kick-Ass Hot Honey Chicken Recipe
Okay, first things first: get your stuff together. It's called "mise en place," but honestly, it just means having all your ingredients ready to go.
Trust me, it'll save you a massive headache later.
Essential mise en place: Chop any toppings you want like red onion. Measure out your spices, BBQ sauce, and most importantly, that gorgeous sweet and spicy chicken sauce.
Time-saving organization tips: Grab a big bowl for mixing the sauce. If you are using a slow cooker, line it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup - thank me later!
Safety reminders: Chicken can be a bit of a bugger, so make sure you wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken.
Don't want to give anyone the dreaded lurgy.
Step-by-Step to Spicy Pulled Chicken Perfection
Right, let's get cooking. It's way easier than it sounds.
- Whisk together your BBQ sauce, hot honey , apple cider vinegar, and all the spices in that big bowl. Get it nice and mixed up.
- Place your chicken breasts in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Seriously, either works.
- Pour that glorious sauce all over the chicken. Make sure it's well coated!
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 4- 6 hours or high for 2- 3 hours . Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes , then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes .
- Shred the chicken with two forks. It should be easy as pie to pull apart.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and let it sit for a few minutes. This is where it really soaks up all that delicious flavour.
- Pile high on your favourite buns and add any toppings you fancy. Coleslaw is a classic for a BBQ chicken sandwich , or go wild with pickles and red onion.
Pro Tips for the Best Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Want to take your pulled chicken sandwich to the next level? Course you do!
- If you want extra heat, drizzle with extra hot honey . A little goes a long way!
- Don't overcook the chicken! It'll become dry and stringy. You want it nice and juicy for your pulled chicken sandwich .
- This is great for meal prep! You can make the spicy pulled chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, just reheat and pile onto your slow cooker chicken sandwich when you are ready to eat! "Hot honey brings the zing!", I always say.
Seriously, give this hot honey chicken recipe a try. It's the bomb.
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Hot Honey Pulled Chicken
Right, so you're ready to dive into making this epic Hot Honey Chicken Recipe . Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I picked up while perfecting this Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe.
Honestly, these little things can make or break the whole experience.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate
Listen, this ain't just about slapping some Spicy Pulled Chicken onto a bun. Think presentation! A little coleslaw on top? Yes, please! Or maybe some sliced pickles.
For sides, sweet potato fries are banging! How about some corn on the cob? And don't forget the drinks! Iced tea or lemonade really hit the spot with this Sweet and Spicy Chicken .
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
So you've made a batch of this Honey BBQ Chicken , and you've got some left? No worries! Pop it in an airtight container.
In the fridge, it'll be good for 3-4 days. Wanna freeze it? Absolutely! Just make sure it's cooled down first.
It'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave it or warm it up in a pan on the hob.
Just make sure it's piping hot before serving! Honestly, leftovers of the Hot honey pulled chicken are even tastier the next day!
Variations: Make It Your Own
Fancy a bit of a twist? Go wild with some Chicken Sandwich Toppings ! Got a dietary requirement? No sweat! If you're trying to eat less carbs.
Just serve the chicken in a bowl with some salad. Got a friend who's a veggie? Swap out the chicken for jackfruit.
Also, if you are strictly vegan, you can substitute Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup to the recipe to imitate the honey's texture and flavor.
Boom! Job done.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, so let's keep it real. This Hot Honey Pulled Chicken is not exactly a health food. But you know what? Everything in moderation.
The chicken itself is a great source of protein. Plus, the spices add a bit of goodness. Think of it as a treat that's also doing you some good.
I think you could probably lose weight on this as part of a balanced diet.
So there you have it. Some handy tips to help you make the best Hot Honey Pulled Chicken ever. Get in the kitchen and make it happen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover hot honey pulled chicken? I'm not trying to waste this deliciousness!
Storing leftovers is easy peasy! Simply place the hot honey pulled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry. You can even freeze it for up to 2-3 months – just make sure it's properly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make this hot honey pulled chicken ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely, you can! In fact, making it ahead of time is a stellar idea. Prepare the pulled chicken according to the recipe, let it cool slightly, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before your party. This allows the flavors to meld even further, making it even more delicious – talk about a proper head start!
I'm not a huge fan of super spicy food. How can I control the heat in this hot honey pulled chicken recipe?
No worries, spice is totally adjustable! Start with a smaller amount of hot honey and taste as you go. You can always add more to ramp up the heat, but you can't take it away easily. For a milder flavor, you can even use regular honey and add just a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Remember, it's all about finding the perfect balance that suits your palate, just like Goldilocks with her porridge!
What are some fun variations I can try with this hot honey pulled chicken?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Try adding some pineapple chunks to the slow cooker for a tropical twist. For a smoky kick, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped. You could also serve the pulled chicken on slider buns with creamy coleslaw and crispy fried onions. Think outside the sandwich – it's great in tacos, on pizzas, or even on top of a baked potato!
Can I make this hot honey pulled chicken recipe in a slow cooker if I don't have an Instant Pot?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! The slow cooker is actually a fantastic way to make this dish. Simply follow the slow cooker instructions in the recipe. Cook it on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork. The low and slow method really allows the flavors to develop beautifully, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Is this hot honey pulled chicken healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
While delicious, it's important to be mindful of the ingredients! Hot honey pulled chicken can be relatively high in sugar due to the honey and BBQ sauce. To make it healthier, choose a BBQ sauce with lower sugar content and consider using chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce fat. Load up your sandwich with lots of veggies like coleslaw to add fiber and nutrients – everything in moderation, like they say on The Great British Bake Off!
